Guide dogs Joy six times over

AN appeal set up in memory of a guide dog has raised £30,000 in a year – enough to train six puppies.

Swindon Guide Dogs chairman Alan Fletcher, 66, launched 4Joy after his eight-year-old black labrador, Joy, died following a short illness.

Alan, from Stratton, aimed to raise £20,000 for the charity, and although he has far exceeded his original target, fundraising goes on.

Training of the puppies has begun, one of whom has been named Joy after Alan’s much-loved former guide.

He said: “We originally thought reaching the £20,000 mark might be a struggle, but I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the response, and it shows how much Joy touched people’s hearts as well as helping me.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated towards the appeal.”